My mum is looking for a new TV (like this one), but I'm not up on what a "Smart TV" is/isn't.

My basic understanding is the software is upgradeable, but they may or may not be wire-less compatible?

The description of the firmware file and the manual indicate a usb port, so I don't imagine a wifi is mandatory for adjusting the software. You'd be able to download any firmware update onto a usb drive, plug it in to the tv, and update that way.

My mum is looking for a new TV (like this one), but I'm not up on what a "Smart TV" is/isn't.

My basic understanding is the software is upgradeable, but they may or may not be wire-less compatible?

The description of the firmware file and the manual indicate a usb port, so I don't imagine a wifi is mandatory for adjusting the software. You'd be able to download any firmware update onto a usb drive, plug it in to the tv, and update that way.

Yeah, that seems like how that model works. I like the control of that option vs wifi upgrades.

But it's the interface of how you interact with the TV in order to "surf the net" that I don't grok...

My mum is looking for a new TV (like this one), but I'm not up on what a "Smart TV" is/isn't.

My basic understanding is the software is upgradeable, but they may or may not be wire-less compatible?

The description of the firmware file and the manual indicate a usb port, so I don't imagine a wifi is mandatory for adjusting the software. You'd be able to download any firmware update onto a usb drive, plug it in to the tv, and update that way.

Yeah, that seems like how that model works. I like the control of that option vs wifi upgrades.

But it's the interface of how you interact with the TV in order to "surf the net" that I don't grok...

Phone/tablet/laptop as a keyboard seems more sensible vs the remote?

Admitting my full ignorance over the state of technology, but would the tv have to be connected up with a cable box or wifi router to be able to access the Internet? That is, the tv is still the interface between you and your regular means to the Internet. Our tv is, I dunno, ten years old, but its function as a conduit to the Internet is dependent upon an AppleTV box, which is on the wifi network, or the cable box, which is wired up. Does a Smart TV offer more than what the Apple TV interface does?

Dr. Medulla wrote:Admitting my full ignorance over the state of technology, but would the tv have to be connected up with a cable box or wifi router to be able to access the Internet? That is, the tv is still the interface between you and your regular means to the Internet. Our tv is, I dunno, ten years old, but its function as a conduit to the Internet is dependent upon an AppleTV box, which is on the wifi network, or the cable box, which is wired up. Does a Smart TV offer more than what the Apple TV interface does?

There's the rub. As a Mac user, this TV seems to offer less than a "regular" TV + Apple TV.

The TV acts as a wifi hub for any "Smart" Samsung phones, tablets, and computer, but it can connect to internet by direct cable, or router/wifi. (The freeing the TV from a cable in the parent's house is the major selling feature with this TV.)

The guy at the store says there is a special keyboard to interact with the TV, but it gets returned a lot. He knows they can be connected to a Windows system, but isn't sure about a Mac, as there are audio problems.

(He also sent a link to a video, but it runs on shockwave.)

I'm assuming proprietary software is also going to be a big problem with this. :(

Dr. Medulla wrote:Ugh, none of that sounds appealing. Perhaps if you're exclusively a Samsung person it would be workable, but not otherwise.

Yeah, so that leads me to my next question: Any recommendations for a good LED TV?

We've got a ten-year-old 32" LCD Magnavox. I've been told by a couple people that that's a "bathroom-sized" tv. I get that it's a lot smaller than what people have for living room tv's now, but (a) people have tv's in their bathroom and (b) they have 32" tv's in their bathroom? I am RCS-level out of touch with television expectations.

Dr. Medulla wrote:Ugh, none of that sounds appealing. Perhaps if you're exclusively a Samsung person it would be workable, but not otherwise.

Yeah, so that leads me to my next question: Any recommendations for a good LED TV?

I've got a Samsung smart TV with 3 USB connections on the back but I don't use the internet on it. The Missus does though when she's not using her iPad. The TV can do just about everything but cook a Sunday roast.

Marky Dread wrote:I've got a Samsung smart TV with 3 USB connections on the back but I don't use the internet on it. The Missus does though when she's not using her iPad. The TV can do just about everything but cook a Sunday roast.

I need an online 2016 calendar/diary that I can type things into on a laptop and save. I haven't got a printer and I'm sick of using a physical calendar to keep track of my life etc. Anything free online?

I just polished off some Low Country shrimp & grits and a mess of collards. That's a hell of a strain on the arm.

Heston wrote:I need an online 2016 calendar/diary that I can type things into on a laptop and save. I haven't got a printer and I'm sick of using a physical calendar to keep track of my life etc. Anything free online?

Heston wrote:I need an online 2016 calendar/diary that I can type things into on a laptop and save. I haven't got a printer and I'm sick of using a physical calendar to keep track of my life etc. Anything free online?

They seem to be printable only. I need to physically be able to type info next to the date and then save. I need to add band bookings, birthdays, holidays etc next to the allotted date. Like a kind of year planner. I live in fear I will lose my real life diary and shit would really hit the fan.

I just polished off some Low Country shrimp & grits and a mess of collards. That's a hell of a strain on the arm.

Heston wrote:I need an online 2016 calendar/diary that I can type things into on a laptop and save. I haven't got a printer and I'm sick of using a physical calendar to keep track of my life etc. Anything free online?

They seem to be printable only. I need to physically be able to type info next to the date and then save. I need to add band bookings, birthdays, holidays etc next to the allotted date. Like a kind of year planner. I live in fear I will lose my real life diary and shit would really hit the fan.

Google?

You get Google Calendar with any Google login. If you have Gmail, you already have it. It'll link it to any offline mail/calendar program or phone, and they offer the option on the account to download and back up all your data. Also get their full suite of other productivity apps...Contacts/Address Book, Docs, Drive, this new notetaking app called "Keep".

I mean, it's evil Google and and they try to force-feed you stupid Google+ in the process, but if you drill down into the settings you can get reasonable control over your privacy that doesn't get fucked-around with without your consent like Facefuck is known to do. Basically, the Google Apps package is so universally-used for serious business and shit that it's at the "it just works" and "it works with everything" stage of reliability. Especially the core apps like Gmail and Calendar.

Heston wrote:I need an online 2016 calendar/diary that I can type things into on a laptop and save. I haven't got a printer and I'm sick of using a physical calendar to keep track of my life etc. Anything free online?

They seem to be printable only. I need to physically be able to type info next to the date and then save. I need to add band bookings, birthdays, holidays etc next to the allotted date. Like a kind of year planner. I live in fear I will lose my real life diary and shit would really hit the fan.

I just downloaded the template 1 multi coloured and you can open it in Word and add what you like. Am I missing something?